Land sale highlights need for clean water rules

Concerns raised about the possible
impact of the sale of Lochinver Station, and resulting
increased dairy intensification on the property, highlight
the need for stronger clean water rules, the Green Party
said today.

Lochinver Station sits astride the headwaters
of several rivers including the Mohaka. The Mohaka River is
one of 13 New Zealand rivers which has a water conservation
order to protect its recreational and scenic values. This
does not protect water quality.

“Water conservation
orders don’t give rivers the protection they deserve. They
don’t require controls on land use in the catchment to
protect water quality,” said Green Party water
spokesperson Eugenie Sage.

“While there are protections
in place to stop large dams, and large water takes, it
doesn’t stop the Mohaka becoming polluted.

“Protecting
a river for its recreational values should mean protecting
it from becoming polluted so that it’s clean and healthy
to swim in and raft and kayak on.

“The Green Party’s
plan for rivers that are safe to swim in will give rivers,
like the Mohaka, the protection they deserve. It would
ensure that councils put limits in dairy expansion in
sensitive catchments like the Mohaka,” said Ms
Sage.

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